The Planning and Zoning Commission Tables Mixed-Use Facility Proposal on Brook Street.

The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously tabled a public hearing for a proposed mixed-use facility with 144 family units and 5,750 square feet of medical office at the rear of 663 Brook St. until their Sept. 21 meeting. 

James M. Joseph, an attorney for the developer, asked the commission to table the public hearing for the proposal once it started Wednesday night.

The Open Space and Conservation Commission approved the plans for the mixed-used facility at their meeting last week. However, the Open Space and Conservation Commission told the developer that they had to build 80 feet away from the wetlands area. Joseph informed the Planning and Zoning Commission that they needed more time to make the proper changes.

 “So, everyone, the commission, the public, has an opportunity to review the revisions that we are proposing,” Joseph said.

Vice-chairman Barry Goldberg asked if the changes made by the Open Space and Conservation Commission were “sufficient.” Pat Gorman, principal, said the changes were “not sufficient,” however light poles and landscaping had to be moved.  The number of buildings and parking spaces would remain the same, Gorman added.

Goldberg suggested having the applicant withdraw and resubmit his proposal.

“We feel what we are doing is responding to another commission in town conditions and suggestions,” Joseph stated.  “And we don’t really see the need to withdraw and resubmit. We think we can keep things moving with the understanding that there are things that we need to do before we come back to see you in September.”

Once a public hearing is opened, the commission has 30 days to review the plan before a decision on the proposal must be made.  The meeting in September is about 30 days away.

If questions are raised during the public hearing or additional resources need to be gathered, the commission would not be able to enter the information into the record, Goldberg said.

“That’s the window that I am having a problem with,” Goldberg said. “That is really going to put the screws to us.”

The applicant said that they are willing to grant the commission an extension. The extension would allow the commission two meetings to discuss the proposal. The public hearing on the proposal is expected to be extended after the Sept. 21 meeting.

Due to the amount of multi-family housing in town, legal issues were raised when the proposal was originally submitted. After a chain of emails by the corporation council, it was determined that the commission should accept the application.